Early alterations in the morphology of cytomegalovirus-infected human fibroblasts.

Cytomegalovirus-infected human fibroblasts developed large numbers of fine microvilli within 90 min after addition of virus. The structure of these microvilli gradually changed as the infection proceeded, although the infected cells were easily detected by their large number of processes. These processes may be involved in the increased transport of ions and nutrients into the infected cell.